We Must Act to Reduce Risk of Nuclear War

VCDNP Non-Resident Senior Fellow John Carlson shares his perspective on efforts needed to reduce the risk of nuclear war and establish a process to achieve nuclear disarmament in The Korea Times.

Mr. Carlson argues that, having been on the brink of nuclear war several times, humanity must craft a pathway towards nuclear disarmament to survive. The International Court of Justice has made it clear that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons would violate international law in almost all cases, and has furthermore stressed the obligation of countries to pursue negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament. This task is daunting, but breaking it up into smaller steps can facilitate progress. The first priority would be steps to reduce risks and tensions. This would be followed by the revival of currently-deadlocked arms control negotiations and the development of new arms control agreements.

Mr. Carlson concludes his article by calling for a broad process of ongoing engagement on disarmament and security issues, which should avoid the politicisation of current negotiating forums. Middle powers must play a central role in pushing for this approach.